Binding of CsPbBr₃ Nanocrystals to MOF-5 for the Detection of Cadmium Ions in Aqueous Media

CsPbBr 3 perovskite nanocrystals (CNCs) have emerged as promising candidates for optoelectronics, although instability issues have retarded their progress toward commercialization. As a solution to this core issue, herein CNCs are bound to the metal–organic framework MOF-5 to form a stable composite MOF:CNC for sensing applications in aqueous media. The electrostatic interaction of Pb 2+ and Br – ions of CNCs with the terephthalate and Zn 2+ ions of MOF-5 do not disturb the structural integrity of the MOFs and the photoluminescence (PL) properties of the CNCs but renders more stability to both the MOFs and CNCs in a water medium. As a proof-of-concept experiment, this water-resistant MOF:CNC probe was successfully validated for the detection of Cd 2+ in a water medium. The mechanism of fluorescence enhancement during the sensing of Cd 2+ is elucidated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, temperature-dependent, and time-resolved PL studies. The high stability and photoefficiency exhibited by this MOF:CNC composite proves that it is a viable system for applications in aqueous media.